Newly released bodycam footage shows Christina Formella, 30, breaking down after her arrest. The married special education teacher gasped for air, crying into her cuffed hands. “Oh my God. What the f–k?” she repeated, knees pulled to her chest. When she moaned, “I feel like I’m gonna throw up,” officers scrambled to find her a bag and towels.
Charges Stem from Alleged Abuse of 15-Year-Old Student
Formella taught at Downers Grove South High School and coached soccer. Police say she sexually assaulted a 15-year-old male student she once tutored. Investigators uncovered intimate text messages between them, including one where Formella wrote, “I love you sooooo much baby… Even though this morning was short, it was perfect.” The boy was 13 when the abuse allegedly started.
Teen’s Mother Discovered Texts While Setting Up New Phone
The case unraveled when the victim’s mother found the messages while transferring his data to a new device. Shocked, she confronted her son, who admitted to the relationship. He claimed he ended it but confirmed sexual encounters happened in a school classroom. The family immediately reported it to police, triggering an investigation.
Husband Watches Helplessly as Officers Take Her Away
Formella was pulled over while driving with her husband in their Chicago suburb. Bodycam footage shows her confusion as officers ordered her out of the car. “Whatever I need?” she asked nervously. Her husband demanded answers: “Is she going somewhere?” Police calmly explained she was being detained for an investigation. As they cuffed her, Formella whispered, “I’m, like, so scared.”
Teacher accused: Claims Victim Blackmailed Her—Blames Her Looks
During questioning, Formella insisted the boy framed her. She alleged he stole her phone, sent himself fake messages, and kept them as blackmail. She also made a bizarre claim: “Everybody comes after me because I’m good-looking.” Investigators dismissed her story, noting the texts’ explicit nature and witness accounts.
Released on Bond—But Banned from Schools and Minors
Formella faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault. A judge granted her release but imposed strict conditions: no school grounds and zero contact with anyone under 18. The school district placed her on paid leave pending trial. If convicted, she could spend years behind bars.
Recent Wedding Photos Contrast with Scandal
Social media reveals Formella married her husband—a former Concordia University classmate—just last August. Friends describe them as a “happy, athletic couple.” She began teaching in 2020 and earned her license in 2017. Now, her career and reputation hang in the balance.
Teacher accused; Community Reacts with Anger and Disbelief
Parents and students expressed outrage over the allegations. Many questioned how the abuse went unnoticed for years. The victim’s family vows to pursue justice, while legal experts say the text messages could be damning evidence. The case serves as a grim reminder that predators sometimes hide in plain sight.
